The Optimistic American

Optimistic American
  • 4.6 (8)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Optimistic American

The past, present, and future of the United States are full of promise. A promise sustained by the efforts of brave individuals and organizations who champion the pursuit of technology, improving the human condition, free markets, and a belief in who we are. We are losing the fact that we are a nation of dreamers, a catapult for those who have the heart to dare, a place that rewards ingenuity and innovation. This country, more than any other, succeeded by making possible the release of the human spirit. We need to put in the work to bring the actual narrative of abundance forward. We need to make it consumable for everyday Americans. It is how our conversations will pivot towards the positive. Our mornings will begin with promise and faith rather than fear and despair. If you’re willing to help others feel better about tomorrow, join us. Weekly shows are coming very soon. Follow us to stay notified of new episodes.

  1. Are They Builders or Dividers?

    2 DAYS AGO

    Are They Builders or Dividers?

    In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Tom Fishman, CEO of The Builders Program, to discuss the challenges of modern politics and the innovative solutions aimed at bridging the deep divides in Congress. With polarization at an all-time high, The Builders Program leverages groundbreaking tools like the Builders Power Rankings to promote bipartisan collaboration and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Tom shares how his team uses advanced research, data, and AI to evaluate congressional representatives based on their ability to work constructively across party lines. The conversation highlights why leadership rooted in cooperation is essential for building durable solutions and how this initiative is a rallying call for citizens to demand better from their government.

    41 min
  2. Trump Won, Now What?

    NOV 13

    Trump Won, Now What?

    In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by panelists Eliott Pollack and Henry Thompson to dissect the key issues shaping the political landscape in the wake of the recent election. The discussion centers on Donald Trump’s policy proposals, from economic reforms to the "America First" agenda, and their potential effects on the nation and beyond. The panel dives into the odds of Trump’s campaign promises being enacted, explores the upsides and downsides of each policy, and examines the implications of these issues on global alliances and domestic economic stability. Topics Discussed in This Video: Election Results: The panel examines the aftermath of the recent election, discussing why Democrats faced significant losses and how Trump’s populist coalition, economic concerns, and cultural issues resonated with voters. The Economic Implications of Tariffs: Explore the potential winners and losers of Trump’s proposed tariffs. The discussion delves into the strategic use of tariffs, their impact on trade wars, and how they align with the America First agenda to protect domestic industries. Deficit Spending and Economic Policy: The panel discusses the feasibility of reducing deficit spending while pursuing aggressive economic reforms, exploring the challenges of balancing the budget in a politically divided environment. America First and Global Alliances: The conversation explores the geopolitical consequences of Trump’s America First agenda, focusing on NATO, Israel, and relationships with global powers like China. How might these policies reshape the U.S. role on the world stage?

    52 min
  3. Election 2024 Showdown: Trump vs. Harris – Analyzing the Stakes and Economic Impacts

    OCT 31

    Election 2024 Showdown: Trump vs. Harris – Analyzing the Stakes and Economic Impacts

    Join Paul Johnson and panelists Elliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb in this episode of New Frontiers, where they discuss the high-stakes, anxiety-inducing upcoming U.S. election. As polling shows a close race between Trump and Harris, the panel explores why this election feels existential for many voters and how economic uncertainty and inflation fears add to the stress. Topics Discussed:  - Election Anxiety and Political Polarization: The panel opens with a discussion about the heightened levels of anxiety surrounding this election. With voters on both sides seeing the results as existential, they explore how political polarization, economic concerns, and media coverage contribute to this heightened tension. - Trump vs. Harris: A Tight Race: Examining the close polling numbers, the panel reflects on how voter turnout and the effectiveness of each campaign’s ground game may ultimately decide the race. They analyze how Trump’s “outsider” status and Harris’s attempt to unify a broad coalition have shaped the election landscape and voter base. - The Double Standards for Trump and Kamala Harris: The panel explores the media and public’s differing expectations for Trump and Kamala Harris. While both candidates have been criticized for avoiding direct answers, Harris’s hesitation on certain issues has sparked significant scrutiny. Meanwhile, Trump’s history of unfiltered remarks and accusations of being “slippery” are often viewed as part of his persona. The panel considers whether this discrepancy points to broader biases and how it impacts each candidate’s image among voters. - Trump’s Fascism Accusations: In light of recent claims of authoritarianism directed at Trump, the panel discusses whether fears of “fascist” tendencies are campaign rhetoric or grounded concerns. They examine remarks from Trump’s former military advisors who have publicly expressed concern, exploring whether these warnings stem from personal disagreements or genuine fears for democratic norms. The discussion highlights how terms like “fascism” and “authoritarianism” influence voter perception and how such accusations impact the campaign dynamics. - Inflation, Gold, and Home Ownership: Economist Elliott Pollack weighs in on the economic factors influencing voters, including rising inflation, fluctuating gold prices, and the value of home ownership as an inflation hedge. For young professionals considering an investment in gold versus real estate, the panel discusses why home ownership might be a better long-term option.

    1h 15m
  4. Religion and Politics Ft. Atlantic Journalist McKay Coppins

    OCT 28

    Religion and Politics Ft. Atlantic Journalist McKay Coppins

    In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with McKay Coppins, an acclaimed journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the intersection of politics, religion, and media. As the author of the book Romney: A Reckoning, McKay brings unparalleled insights into the political transformation of the Republican Party, from the Romney era to the Trump movement. They also address the complex dynamics between faith and politics, the struggle for moral integrity, and the role of religion in modern conservative politics. Topics Discussed in This Video:  - Mitt Romney: McKay reflects on Romney’s political journey – from his time as a presidential candidate to his emergence as a principled critic of Donald Trump. They discuss how Romney’s faith and moral compass guided his decisions and transformed his public image. - Religion and Politics: The conversation delves into the uneasy relationship between Trumpism and religious conservatism. McKay discusses the struggles of people of faith – especially Mormons – with Trump’s leadership style and policies. They also touch on the broader implications of the Democratic Party’s secular tilt and its impact on religious voters. - Faith in the Modern Media Landscape: What does it mean to be a person of faith in a secular media world? McKay recounts his personal journey as a religious journalist covering contentious political topics, including the pressure to remain fair and unbiased. He describes how faith offers unique perspectives, but also creates challenges in an industry often skeptical of religious belief. - Inside Journalism Today and What Needs to Change: McKay and Paul explore the erosion of trust in journalism, the decline of local news, and the rise of hyper-partisan media outlets. They reflect on how media polarization fuels negative partisanship, making Americans more distrustful of opposing viewpoints. Despite these challenges, McKay expresses optimism about journalism's role in rebuilding civic trust. - What Makes You Optimistic About America?: Despite the challenges in journalism and politics, Coppins expresses optimism. He highlights that most Americans are not consumed by partisan conflicts and continue to focus on everyday values – family, work, and community involvement. He believes this majority represents the country’s true spirit, offering hope for bridging divides.

    1h 7m
  5. Why Nations Fail Ft. Nobel Prize Winner James A. Robinson

    OCT 25

    Why Nations Fail Ft. Nobel Prize Winner James A. Robinson

    Join host Paul Johnson on New Frontiers for an in-depth conversation with Nobel Prize winner and acclaimed economist Professor James Robinson. In this episode, Paul and James explore themes from Robinson’s transformative book, Why Nations Fail. They discuss the critical role of inclusive versus extractive institutions and how these structures influence the prosperity of nations. With insightful perspectives on the U.S., China, Nigeria, and other countries, the conversation highlights how empowering individuals and fostering innovation can shape nations' futures.

    1h 1m
  6. The 3 People Shaping America’s Future: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Elon Musk

    OCT 21

    The 3 People Shaping America’s Future: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Elon Musk

    In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson and panelists Elliot Pollack, Robert Robb, and Henry Thompson engage in a compelling discussion on America’s future. They explore key political, economic, and cultural issues — from the legacy of Donald Trump and his ties to Roy Cohn, to Elon Musk's SpaceX innovations, and the vital role that regulations play in shaping U.S. competitiveness. Topics Discussed in the Video: - The Apprentice Movie: The panel kicks off with a discussion about The Apprentice, a movie focusing on young Donald Trump and his influential relationship with Roy Cohn. This film explores Trump’s early ambitions, and how business and politics intertwined during his formative years. - Subsidies for Developers and Businesses: The group debates the effectiveness of government subsidies for economic development. With references to New York’s real estate struggles, they examine how cities like Phoenix approached similar challenges through incentives, and whether this strategy truly benefits communities. - The Trump Phenomenon: The conversation evolves to analyze Trump’s unique rise in both politics and business, tying his personal narrative with larger economic trends. From his dealings with Roy Cohn to his impact on national political discourse, the discussion explores the enduring “Trump Effect.” - Kamala Harris’s Peak and Trump’s Stock Surge: The panel examines the dynamics between Trump’s growing influence and Kamala Harris’s trajectory in the election race. They delve into Trump’s social media stock, exploring whether it reflects more than just financial fundamentals – and whether Harris’s perceived peak has contributed to Trump’s rise. - Political Violence: In a thought-provoking segment, the team addresses rising political violence, discussing assassination attempts, attacks on candidates, and the dangerous polarization in U.S. politics today. Is political violence becoming a serious concern, or are these incidents isolated? - Natural Disasters and Economic Impact: The panel pivots to natural disasters, focusing on the dual hurricanes that hit Florida. They explore how insurance companies are reacting, the economic implications of recurring disasters, and whether federal intervention will eventually become the solution. - Elon Musk, SpaceX, and U.S. Regulation: The episode concludes with a deep dive into how reduced regulations fuel innovation. Using Musk’s recent SpaceX launch in Texas as a case study, the panel debates whether cutting regulations is the key to maintaining America’s competitive edge—and if it could even help reduce the federal deficit.

    1h 30m
  7. Return on Democracy: How Citizen Assemblies Rebuild Trust and Foster Real Change

    OCT 16

    Return on Democracy: How Citizen Assemblies Rebuild Trust and Foster Real Change

    In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson is joined by Josh Abrams and Matt Burgess to explore how citizen assemblies are providing innovative solutions to local challenges like youth homelessness and political division. Through random selection, these assemblies give ordinary citizens a direct voice in tackling complex issues, fostering civic participation and community trust. Josh and Matt explain the transformative power of deliberative democracy — where citizens engage in meaningful discussions, learn from experts, and propose recommendations that directly influence local government decisions. If you're passionate about finding new ways to heal divisions and empower communities, this video is for you. Topics Discussed in the Video: - The Power of Citizen Assemblies: Paul, Josh, and Matt dive into the mechanics of citizen assemblies, how they work, and why they are essential for engaging communities in democratic processes. The goal is to give everyone a voice and a seat at the table, regardless of political background. - Addressing Youth Homelessness: One of the critical issues tackled by the citizen assembly in Central Oregon is youth homelessness. Josh shares how the assembly is gathering ideas and solutions from the community, aiming to find sustainable ways to support young people in need. - Overcoming Political Divides Through Dialogue: Josh and Matt discuss how these assemblies are breaking down the urban-rural and political divides that often fragment communities. By focusing on listening and empathy, participants from all walks of life work together to create practical solutions. - Government Collaboration and Real Change: The guests emphasize the importance of having local government buy-in to ensure that the recommendations from the assemblies lead to real change. By actively involving public officials from the start, the process guarantees that these citizen-led solutions are given serious consideration.

    48 min
  8. Trump‘s Nuclear Option

    OCT 10

    Trump‘s Nuclear Option

    In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb and professor Henry Thompson. Join them as they unpack some of the most pressing issues facing the U.S. and the world today. From political showdowns to the potential of World War III to groundbreaking technology, the episode delves into topics that will shape our future, offering both hard-hitting analysis and a sense of optimism about what lies ahead. Topics Discussed in This Video: - J.D. Vance vs. Tim Walz Debate: The episode kicks off with a review of the recent vice-presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. The panel discusses how the two approached key issues like immigration, the economy, and January 6th, focusing on the stark contrasts in their political styles and campaign strategies. Vance’s polished responses and his focus on policy over personal attacks were analyzed alongside Walz’s less cohesive performance, which the panel notes might not have made any lasting political impact. - Donald Trump and World War III: Donald Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the idea of a potential World War III is explored in depth. The panel discusses Trump's statements about the dangers of nuclear conflict, particularly how he blames the Biden administration’s handling of Ukraine and Israel for escalating global tensions. The conversation shifts to historical instances like the Cold War to provide context to the growing fears of nuclear warfare. - The Biden Administration and The Middle East: Paul, Bobb, and Henry tackle the complexities of Biden’s foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. They delve into how Biden’s approach to international diplomacy and military strategy could have long-term ramifications, with special focus on Israel’s battle with Hezbollah and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. - America’s Problems with Foreign Policy: The discussion turns to America's broader foreign policy, highlighting how the U.S. has handled relations with authoritarian regimes and allies alike. From missteps in Ukraine to challenges with NATO, the panel evaluates how U.S. foreign policy might be steering the country into more complex global entanglements. - The Far-Right Movement in Europe: Shifting gears, the panel addresses the rise of far-right extremism in Europe, particularly in countries like Germany. This segment provides a sobering look at the political shifts occurring in the West, drawing connections between Europe’s struggle with populism and America's own challenges with extremism and divisive politics. - Autonomous Driving, New Tech, and Innovations: To wrap up the episode on an optimistic note, Paul and the panel explore the future of technology, particularly autonomous driving. The rapid advancements in driverless taxis and electric vehicles are discussed, with an eye toward how these innovations could revolutionize not just transportation, but society as a whole.

    1h 27m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The past, present, and future of the United States are full of promise. A promise sustained by the efforts of brave individuals and organizations who champion the pursuit of technology, improving the human condition, free markets, and a belief in who we are. We are losing the fact that we are a nation of dreamers, a catapult for those who have the heart to dare, a place that rewards ingenuity and innovation. This country, more than any other, succeeded by making possible the release of the human spirit. We need to put in the work to bring the actual narrative of abundance forward. We need to make it consumable for everyday Americans. It is how our conversations will pivot towards the positive. Our mornings will begin with promise and faith rather than fear and despair. If you’re willing to help others feel better about tomorrow, join us. Weekly shows are coming very soon. Follow us to stay notified of new episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Optimistic American
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Optimistic American
  • Show Website
    The Optimistic American

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